"The bridge will stay closed to vehicles while we are doing this assessment and making sure that we do any repairs that are necessary," said Gov. Maggie Hassan.

The bridge was shut down when a tanker carrying tallow oil broke free from its mooring at the state pier and became lodged against the bridge. Coast Guard officials said there was no release of oil or cargo from the vessel. There was a breach in a ballast water tank.

While the tanker was trapped against the bridge by the rising tide, a crane on the tanker lifted a section of the bridge, causing the bridge steel to buckle and holes to open in the walkway.

Ships will still be able to travel up and down the river because the center span can be raised, but officials said there is significant damage to the span.

Officials said it could be weeks or months until the cause of the accident is determined.

As top GOP presidential candidates arrived at a hotel here to court the influential donors of the Koch network, Charles Koch called on retreat attendees to unite with him in a campaign against "corporate welfare" and "irresponsible spending" by both ...